Dhaka, Feb. 10 -- In the face of widespread criticism, the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) on Monday revoked its decision to ban mobile phones at polling stations, a day after issuing a circular in this regard.

Different stakeholders, including journalists, political parties, election observers and rights organisations, had condemned the ban, arguing that it would discourage voter participation and hinder journalists from performing their professional duties.

On Monday evening, EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed briefed journalists at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the city, clarifying the commission's position.

"The question was whether voters, journalists or observers would be allowed to take it (mobile phones) inside polling ...